Regarding camping gear, I’ve always believed in investing in comfort. After years of sitting on flimsy folding chairs around the campfire, I badly felt the need to upgrade. So, after researching and reading dozens of reviews on the web, I finally decided to purchase the GCI Outdoor Rocker Camping Chair last month. I have to say, it didn’t disappoint me.
In this article, I will share my experience and review of the GCI Rocker Camping chair. Issues may vary from person to person, but I will be honest about my words. This will help you if you plan to buy this Amazon best-selling Camping chair.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Smooth Rocking Motion: The patented Spring Action Rocking Technology provides a soft, relaxing rock on any terrain
- Comfortable Design: It has a breathable mesh back, a wide seat, and solid back support, ideal for long sits at a campsite, fishing, or backyard BBQ.
- Durable Build: The powder-coated steel frame and sturdy fabric ensure long-lasting use, even in rough conditions.
- Portability: It folds easily and comes with a built-in carry strap, making it relatively easy to transport and store hanging on the wall.
- Extra Features: The built-in cup holder and phone pocket add convenience to keep your essentials nearby.
Cons:
- Heavy: it’s heavier than many non-rocking camping chairs. This may be a drawback for those trying to minimize weight on longer trips.
- Low-Profile Seat: The lower seat height may be better for taller individuals.
- No Carrying Bag: While it has a carry strap, the lack of a carrying bag might be a downside for those who prefer a dust-free storage option.
First Impressions: Sturdy and Sleek
Straight out of the box, the chair looked and felt solid. It weighs about 10.6 pounds. Maybe it’s not the lightest camping chair on the market, but the trade-off is a sturdy steel frame that immediately felt reassuring. The Heathered Pewter colour was a lovely, neutral shade that blended well with the outdoors. The material seemed durable yet breathable—perfect for warm summer evenings around the fire.
What impressed me most was the Spring Action Rocking Technology. This rocking chair is a comfortable choice for someone like me who loves to sway back and forth while soaking in the great outdoors. The chair rocked smoothly on hard, flat ground or a softer campground. I could feel the slight “give” of the shock absorbers.
First Use: At the Soccer Game
The first time I put it to the test was not in the woods but at my friend’s soccer game. Setting it up was very easy. I just unfolded it with a quick pull, and boom—it was all ready to go. When I sat down, the wide seat and solid back support felt like a small luxury to me. Trust me, after years of sitting on regular camping chairs, I could immediately tell the difference.
One thing I quickly realized is that this chair is a bit low-profile. You’re sitting closer to the ground, which could be an issue for taller guys, but it felt suitable for me. The built-in can holder was perfect for my iced coffee, and there was also a small pocket for my phone. So, no more digging around in the grass for my essentials!
Comfort Level: Perfect for Long Sits
I can’t rave enough about how comfortable this chair is. I spent over two hours fishing while camping and didn’t feel the need to adjust my position once. The breathable mesh back was great on a hot day, allowing airflow and calming me.
But let’s talk about the rocking feature again. The motion was smooth and calming, like bringing a bit of my front porch rocker to the outdoors. The rocking felt sturdy, and I never feared tipping over, which I appreciated. I am about 180 lbs, and my wife, who’s closer to 160 kg, also tried it. It supported both of us comfortably, living up to its 250-lb weight capacity.
Portability: A Mixed Bag
It folds up easily and comes with a carry strap, which is handy, especially when you’re lugging a cooler and snacks. However, it is bulkier than other camping chairs I have owned. It is not a deal-breaker since the comfort is worth the extra weight. If you plan a long trek to your campsite, be concerned about the weight.
The chair doesn’t have a carrying bag, which disappointed me initially, but the built-in strap made it less of an issue. I stored it in a large trash bag in the garage to keep the dust off.
Durability: Built to Last
After a few uses, including a weekend camping trip and several backyard BBQs, I can ensure the chair is built to last. The powder-coated steel frame shows no signs of wear. The mesh back and fabric seat have held up perfectly, even after being left outside under the sun and rain a couple of times. It’s also nice to know that GCI Camping Chair offers various models with slightly different features. So, if you need more height or storage options, there’s likely a chair for you.
| Kickback Rocker | RoadTrip Rocker | Freestyle Rocker XL | Pod Rocker | Comfort Pro Rocker | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars (86,453) | 4.7 out of 5 stars (86,453) | 4.7 out of 5 stars (580) | 4.7 out of 5 stars (86,453) | 4.7 out of 5 stars (86,453) |
| Price | $60.00 | $80.00 | $75.00 | $70.00 | $70.00 |
| Frame Material | Powder-Coated Steel | Powder-Coated Steel | Powder-Coated Steel | Powder-Coated Steel | Powder-Coated Steel |
| Seat Material | Polyester | Polyester | Polyester | Polyester | Polyester |
| Seat Height | Mid / 17.1" | Standard / 19.9" | Standard / 19.9" | Standard / 20.1" | Mid / 17.5" |
| Armrest | Soft | Solid | Solid/Padded | None | Soft |
| Backrest Height | 21.9" | 23.8" | 17.5" | 21.5" | 24" |
| Item Weight | 10.6 Pounds | 12.8 Pounds | 13.4 Pounds | 11.7 Pounds | 11 Pounds |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 250 Pounds | 250 Pounds | 400 Pounds | 250 Pounds | 250 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 27.2"D x 32.5"W x 31.7"H | 29.4"D x 25.8"W x 39"H | 25.6"D x 26.4"W x 34.8"H | 28.2"D x 30"W x 34.7"H | 25.2"D x 35.6"W x 38.8"H |
| Folded Dimensions | 7.9"D x 5.9"W x 39"H | 8"D x 9"W x 43.3"H | 25"D x 4.9"W x 34.8"H | 6.5"D x 5.5"W x 40.2"H | 7.3"D x 6.3"W x 44.1"H |
| Transport Method | Carry Strap | Carry Bag | Carry Handle | Carry Bag | Carry Strap |
| Check Now | Check Now | Check Now | Check Now | Check Now | Check Now |
Last Verdict: Worth Every Penny
Is the GCI Outdoor Rocker Camping Chair worth the investment? My answer is absolutely yes. This chair offers perfect comfort and sturdiness for anyone who spends much time outdoors—whether camping, attending sports games, fishing, or just relaxing in their backyard. Sure, it’s a little heavier than some other options and doesn’t fully recline, but those are small trade-offs for what you get.
Suppose you’re looking for a camping chair that provides comfort, portability, and durability. In that case, I recommend giving this one a try. Whether sitting around the campfire or cheering on your kids from the sidelines, this chair makes the experience much better. Happy Camping!
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